Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots
Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots is a simple but flavor-packed vegetable side dish that lets the natural sweetness of the carrots shine through while adding layers of complementary flavors. Roasting carrots concentrates their natural sweetness while the spices, preserved lemon, and fresh herbs create a complex blend of savory, citrusy, and herbal flavors. The garlic rounds it all out.
Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots
If you've ever stepped foot in a Dig Inn restaurant, you know the pure joy of their delicious vegetable-focused dishes. But one item that always has me going back for more?
Those crazy good roasted carrots! Sweet, tender carrots loaded with spices and bright flavors that make my tastebuds dance.
Well, friends, I'm here to let you in on a little secret - I've cracked the code on recreating those famous carrots right in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, this homemade version might just give the Dig Inn original a run for its money!
What makes these carrots so irresistible? It starts with a robust spice blend of cumin, smoked paprika, coriander and a kick of cayenne. The carrots get tossed in this aromatic blend along with olive oil and roasted until they're perfectly caramelized.
But then comes the real magic - a dressing made with tangy preserved lemon, garlic, honey and lemon zest that gets drizzled over the carrots halfway through roasting. This creates an incredible glaze that packs so much flavor into every sweet, tender bite.
The final flourish? Fresh marjoram and parsley get tossed with the carrots as soon as they come out of the oven, adding herbaceous brightness.
As I nibbled on the final product straight off the sheet tray, I had to do a double take. These humble carrots were transformed into a showstopping side dish bursting with layers of sweet, sour, savory and herbal notes. Each flavor complemented the next in a flavor party for my mouth.
The best part? This recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home with basic ingredients. Sure, tracking down preserved lemons might seem intimidating, but trust me - that punchy, fermented zing is worth it to replicate the authentic flavors. Just hit up your local Middle Eastern market or gotchu with an online order.
A few quick tips - don't skip the two-step roasting process to get that perfect caramelized exterior and glazed interior. And definitely don't be shy with the finishing herbs and spices to really make those flavors pop.
So whether you're a Dig Inn fanatic looking to satiate your cravings, or just a carrot lover in pursuit of your new favorite side, this homemade sheet tray version needs to go on your must-make list ASAP. Your tastebuds can thank me later!
Disclaimer - while inspired by the famous Dig Inn dish, this is my own recipe interpretation and is not affiliated with the restaurant brand. Nutrition facts are an estimate.
Dig Inn-Inspired Sheet Tray Carrots Recipe
Dig Inn's Addictive Sheet Tray Carrots - The Homemade Version That'll Blow Your Mind!
prep time with cook time.
Serves 6 and contains approximately 160 calories.
American / Side Dish
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces on a diagonal
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 preserved lemon, pulp removed and peel finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh marjoram leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet tray with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrot pieces with olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne and a few pinches of salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread carrots out in an even layer on the prepared sheet tray. Roast for 20 minutes.
- While carrots roast, make the dressing by whisking together the chopped preserved lemon, minced garlic, honey and lemon zest.
- After 20 minutes, remove carrots from oven and drizzle dressing evenly over the top. Toss to coat carrots.
- Return to oven and roast for 10-15 more minutes until carrots are tender and glazed.
- Remove from oven and immediately toss with fresh marjoram and parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, honey or lemon as desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
This takes the basic roasted carrot and gives it a North African/Middle Eastern spice blend, the brightness of preserved lemon and fresh lemon zest, a touch of honey for sweetness, and fresh herbs. The two-step roasting process allows the carrots to caramelize while the dressing creates a sweet-tart glaze.
Check this video out about Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots.
Rated 4.9 by 27 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots, Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots Recipe
Published by: Dish Dupes
Dig Inn Sheet Tray Carrots Recipe FAQ
What type of carrots work best for this recipe? This recipe works best with regular orange carrots. Look for thicker carrots that can be cut into 1-inch thick pieces on the diagonal for maximum caramelization. Rainbow carrots can also be used for extra color.
Can I use a different spice blend? Absolutely! The cumin, smoked paprika, coriander and cayenne give these carrots a North African/Middle Eastern flair, but you could use a blend like chili powder, garlic powder and dried oregano for a more Southwestern taste. Just adjust spice amounts to your preferred level of heat and flavor.
Where can I find preserved lemons? Preserved lemons are a common ingredient in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine. Look for them at Mediterranean or Middle Eastern markets, or in the international aisle of some grocery stores. As a shortcut, you can also find preserved lemon paste or concentrate online.
Can I make this recipe vegan? This recipe is already 100% vegan as written! No substitutions necessary for the dairy-free dressing.
How should I store any leftovers? Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The carrots can be enjoyed chilled or quickly reheated before serving.
What can I serve these carrots with? These flavorful roasted carrots would pair beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken or steak, or make a great accompaniment to hearty grain dishes. They also work nicely as a bright, fresh component on a composed salad.
How can I save time on prep? You can cut down on prep by buying carrots pre-peeled and pre-cut into thick pieces or slices. Or used pre-minced garlic and fresh chopped herbs from the produce section of your grocery store.
Can I roast the carrots on a different type of pan? While a sheet tray or baking sheet with sides works best for easy tossing and glazing, you can use any large oven-safe pan or baking dish with higher sides if needed.
What makes these carrots so tender and glazed? The two-step roasting process helps create that perfect texture! The initial roast allows the natural sugars to caramelize, while the second roast with the dressing leads to tender, beautifully glazed pieces.
Can I add or substitute any other ingredients? Definitely feel free to play around! You could add sliced shallots or red onion, swap honey for maple syrup, toss in some toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for crunch, or finish with creamy yogurt or crumbled feta cheese for a cool contrast to the roasted carrots.
